Aurora Spine Announces Initial Surgeries Using its Proprietary APOLLOTM Cervical Plate

Rhea-AI Summary

Aurora Spine Corporation (OTCQB: ASAPF) announced the successful completion of its first anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures using the proprietary APOLLO Anterior Cervical Plate (ACP) system. Conducted by Dr. Sebastian Koga, these procedures highlight the system's innovative design and functionality, emphasizing its potential to enhance surgical outcomes. The APOLLO system includes advanced features like Hyper-Angulation™ screws and a titanium alloy construction. This launch marks a strategic milestone as the company prepares to introduce additional products under its DEXA Technology platform.

Positive

• Successful surgeries with the APOLLO Anterior Cervical Plate system, indicating a positive reception from surgeons.
• Innovative features of APOLLO, such as high angulation screws and ergonomic design, improving surgical outcomes.
• Strategic addition of the APOLLO system to the company's product line, enhancing its competitive position.

Negative

• None.

CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurora Spine Corporation (“Aurora Spine” or the “Company”) (TSXV: ASG) (OTCQB: ASAPF), a designer and manufacturer of innovative medical devices that improve spinal surgery outcomes, announced today that the first anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures were completed with its proprietary APOLLO^TM Anterior Cervical Plate (ACP) system and implanted in multiple patients by Dr. Sebastian Koga, a neurosurgeon at Koga Neurosurgery based in Covington, Louisiana. 

APOLLO one of Aurora’s recent FDA 510(k) cleared products and provides new technology-based options to patients and surgeons in spine surgery. The APOLLO System features streamlined instrumentation and high angulation-option screws to help surgeons perform the procedure while preserving the patient’s skeletal and muscle tissue. The APOLLO Anterior Cervical Plate (ACP) system features a sleek design, with Hyper-Angulation™ and Freedom to Angulate^TM screws in the Cephalad-Caudal direction with a total screw angulation of 32°. In addition, the set includes cervical plates and bone screws constructed of titanium alloy. APOLLO implants are available in multiple levels and lengths, and screws are available in numerous diameters, sizes, and tip configurations to accommodate variations in patient anatomy. The Integrated locking mechanism blocks the screw heads after the device construct anchored to the anterior cervical spine.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Sebastian Koga, said, “My first experience with APOLLO was flawless. I performed three consecutive cases in one day and found the ergonomics, work-flow, and implants to be excellent. I found the plate lordosis, thickness and sizing to be anatomically perfect. A major improvement is the control of screw direction in high-angled screws. New research shows that shorter plates with high-angled screws allow for superior compression, reduced subsidence and improved fusion rates compared to traditional low-angle screws. The APOLLO is the ideal system to achieve this with precise screw insertion, and a superior locking mechanism. My goal is always to minimize disruption of normal anatomy, and this system also achieves that with smooth surface and low profiles. I foresee the APOLLO becoming the standard in my practice.” 

The APOLLO system features a simple and easy-to-use low-profile plate design with streamlined instrumentation, large graft windows, and a wide range of implant sizes for one to four-level treatment requirements.    APOLLO™ will be part of the Minimally Invasive DEXA™ Platform of products and is positioned to reshape the market through patient-focused innovation and address the next advancement in spine surgery. The patented DEXA Interbody Technology is the first of its kind in the world offering an implant based upon a patient's bone density.

Mr. Trent Northcutt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Spine, stated, “The initial use of our proprietary APOLLO cervical plate system is a strategic achievement for our company. We can now provide patients and surgeons with our state-of-the-art cervical plate to work hand in hand with our DEXA Technology cervical spacers we plan to launch shortly.”

Laszlo Garamszegi, CTO at Aurora, stated, “These first procedures with APOLLO are an exciting step forward for the collection of products for our patented DEXA Platform supporting our implants to allow bone density matching. We are pleased to offer an increasing number of disruptive products in the cervical spine segment.”

Correction: In a prior Press Release, Dr. Sebastian Koga, MD, FAANS, was described as Chairman of Neurosurgery and Medical Director of the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute for the Ochsner North Shore Region. Dr. Sebastian Koga, MD, FAANS, is currently a Neurosurgeon in Covington, Louisiana.

About Aurora Spine

Aurora Spine is focused on bringing new solutions to the spinal implant market through a series of innovative, minimally invasive, regenerative spinal implant technologies. Additional information can be accessed at www.aurora-spine.com or www.aurorapaincare.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurora Spine, including, without limitation, those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" in Aurora Spine's final prospectus (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information in this news release includes information concerning the proposed use and success of the company’s products in surgical procedures. Aurora Spine cautions investors of Aurora Spine's securities about important factors that could cause Aurora Spine's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements included in this news release. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ unilaterally from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the expectations set out herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Aurora Spine does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Contact:

Aurora Spine Corporation

Trent Northcutt

President and Chief Executive Officer

(760) 424-2004

Chad Clouse

Chief Financial Officer

(760) 424-2004

www.aurora-spine.com

Adam Lowensteiner

LYTHAM PARTNERS, LLC

Phoenix | New York

Telephone: 646-829-9700

asapf@lythampartners.com

FAQ

What is the APOLLO Anterior Cervical Plate system launched by Aurora Spine?

The APOLLO Anterior Cervical Plate system is an innovative device designed to improve spinal surgery outcomes, featuring advanced screw technology and ergonomic instrumentation.

Who conducted the first procedures with the APOLLO Anterior Cervical Plate?

The first procedures were conducted by Dr. Sebastian Koga, a neurosurgeon at Koga Neurosurgery in Covington, Louisiana.

What stock exchange is Aurora Spine Corporation listed on?

Aurora Spine Corporation is listed on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol ASAPF.

What technologies are associated with the APOLLO system?

The APOLLO system is associated with DEXA Technology, which offers implants based on a patient's bone density.

What are the potential benefits of the APOLLO system in surgeries?

The APOLLO system may provide benefits such as superior compression, reduced subsidence, and improved fusion rates compared to traditional cervical plates.